Laidlaw’s Bachelor of Theology provides a strong foundation in Scripture, Christian thought, and theological reflection. It develops biblical knowledge, practical skills, and personal formation for ministry, mission, and leadership. Choose a General BTh or a focused Specialisation pathway aligned with your calling and goals.
Bachelor of Arts
Te Tohu Paetahi
To begin your application process to study at Laidlaw simply create an account in our student portal and begin your application.
The Bachelor of Arts Te Tohu Paetahi (BA) is a flexible, three-year degree that lets you follow a subject you love — like New Zealand History or te reo Māori — or a vocational calling — like Youth Work — while growing in theological, biblical, and cultural formation alongside it.
Because you choose a specialisation (and can even combine two), the BA is a great fit if you’re still discerning your next step, want a broader humanities education, or are looking to weave theology together with another field of study.
You can study on campus in Auckland or Christchurch, and the programme offers flexible learning options too — including a mix of on-campus and Distance Learning courses, and part-time study.
In 2027, you can choose from four specialisations:
History
The History specialisation builds the critical thinking, contextual understanding, and informed citizenship needed for roles in public service, community leadership, and the galleries, libraries, archives, and museums — as well as a strong foundation for postgraduate study.
Te Reo Māori
Build your fluency and your cultural knowledge for a wide range of careers — as an educator, a Māori media professional, a content creator, or a cultural advisor (pou-tikanga) in government, social services, or health. Applicants will meet with a kaiako to talk through course workload and may complete a pre-entry assessment.
Theology
Go deeper into Scripture, doctrine, and Christian thought. Theology graduates are prepared for contextual ministry roles — including youth, children’s, and family ministry — and for work in faith-based not-for-profits that need a mature Christian foundation at the heart of their team.
Youth Work
Learn to walk alongside rangatahi with skill and integrity. With 120 credits of practicum woven through the degree, you’ll integrate theory and practice from day one, preparing you for work with young people across non-profits, government agencies, churches, schools, and hospitals. (Note: If you’ve completed the Certificate in Community Youth Work, you may be able to enter directly into Year 2.)
(Average full-time programme for one year = 120 credits)
(Average full-time programme for one year = 120 credits)
| BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY | BIBLICAL STUDIES (100S) |
CHRISTIAN THOUGHT & HISTORY (200-300S) | PASTORAL, MISSIONAL & CONTEXTUAL STUDIES (400-600S) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum credits for degree | 90 | 75 | 90 |
|
A total minimum of 360 credits A total minimum of 180 credits at level 6 or above A total minimum of 75 credits at level 7 |
|||
| Level 5 |
115.515 Reading the Bible 120.515 Reading the Old Testment 140.515 Reading the New Testment |
201.515 Engaging Theory 308.515 Christian History: Our Story |
401.515 Formation 505.515 Christian Leadership and Mission 907.515 Bicultural Relationships: Tikanga Kawabata |
| Level 6 & 7 |
111.715 Interpreting the Bible At least 1 OT and 1 NT exegesis paper |
202.6/715 Christology 219.6/715 Nākau Maia: Christian Confidence |
480.6/715 Faithful Living: Intro to Reflective Practice 590.715 Capstone: Integrative Practice |
Thinking about studying Arts at Laidlaw? Whether you’re weighing up specialisations, wondering how a hybrid degree could work for you, or exploring postgraduate options for your next career step, we’ve answered the questions we hear most often. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to our BA Programme Advisor — we’re happy to talk through your options and help you find the right pathway.
Faith integrated across every course (not just electives), flexible specialisations and hybrid pathways, practicums and field-based learning, and small, relational class sizes.
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Depending on your specialisation, pathways include a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary), a Graduate Diploma in Theology, or other Graduate Diplomas — plus ministry, community leadership, and further postgraduate study.
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Choose the BTh for theological depth and ministry-focused study. Choose the BA for a broader, flexible degree that combines theology with another discipline or vocational pathway — also a strong option if you’re considering secondary teacher training afterwards.
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Yes — the BA is accredited and approved for StudyLink. Check your eligibility at studylink.govt.nz, and apply at the same time as your BA application (ideally by mid-October for a Semester One start).
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We recommend finishing your current programme first. Your completed courses can often transfer into the BA afterwards (some time limits apply).
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Possibly, via cross credits. Get in touch and we’ll talk through your options.
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